(HARRIS COUNTY – Monday, May 12):

While 1 in 50 parents struggle to find reliable child care in Harris County, 4 in 5 parents are unable to access subsidized and affordable care. Through the support of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity and CHILDREN AT RISK launched the Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) initiative in October 2023 to address this crucial need. ELQN is a community-driven approach focused on expanding quality and access to early learning environments in five child care deserts across the county.

Backed by $16.4 million in ARPA funding through 2026, ELQN empowers local communities to identify solutions and drive improvements that will improve the quality and availability of early learning environments in their neighborhoods. Approaching an exciting milestone in this work, ELQN is set to unveil the quality improvements identified and the vendors selected to provide the goods and services local families and providers need.

On Monday, May 12^th at 1:30 PM, CHILDREN AT RISK, acting as the Network Support Hub (NSH), gathered ELQN stakeholders for a press conference to announce the vendors selected to implement six unique initiatives—each developed from the Child Care Quality Action Plans (CCQAPs) with direct community input and set to launch through out the summer.

“Every child deserves access to a high-quality early education, and families can’t succeed without reliable child care. This initiative is not just historic, it’s necessary. We’re grateful for the collective efforts of Harris County and our local Judges for spearheading this historic investment in early learning,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK.

The six targeted initiatives will begin enrollment activities through the summer following this press conference, fulfilling identified needs such as:

1. Training and Professional Development: Provides training and coaching to enhance the skills and knowledge of child care providers and community members.
2. Technology For Child Care: Provides child care providers with improved technological resources aimed at enhancing early childhood development and improving the efficiency of business operations.
3. Technology For Households: Provides qualifying households with developmentally appropriate technological learning tools and training related to the use of technology with young children.
4. Curriculum Development and Implementation Services: Provides families and child care providers with high-quality, developmentally appropriate curricula and learning materials aligned with Texas Early Learning Guidelines, including bilingual support and direct consultation.
5. Early Learning Kits and Materials: Distributes high-quality, age-appropriate learning kits, including toys, books, and activity guides, ensuring equitable access with outreach and bilingual support.
6. Emergency and Temporary Care Program: Supports families in need during challenging times by partnering with local child care centers to provide temporary care, with direct financial assistance to ensure timely support for families and providers.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and supported by the Harris County Commissioners Court, Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network is a county-led initiative overseen by the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO). Through 2026, ELQN is investing in community-driven strategies to enhance the quality of early learning in five historically underserved areas.

As the designated Network Support Hub, CHILDREN AT RISK is facilitating the implementation of this initiative by coordinating procurement activities and providing technical support to Local Network Organizations (LNOs). In partnership with the LNOs, which include East Harris County Empowerment Council, Harris County Public Library, VN TeamWork, Inc., and the YMCA of Greater Houston, this initiative is advancing high-impact solutions rooted in community priorities.

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 About Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)

The Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is a Harris County initiative dedicated to raising quality in early childhood education, fostering educator excellence, and promoting equitable access to quality early care and education for all young children. ELQN collaborates closely with the community to ensure every child has access to a strong educational foundation.

About CHILDREN AT RISK

CHILDREN AT RISK is a research and advocacy nonprofit leading the way in improving the quality of life for Texas’ children. CHILDREN AT RISK considers the whole child by tracking issues in children’s health, safety, education, and economic security to improve equity and justice for all Texas families. Committed to action beyond the data, CHILDREN AT RISK drives evidence-based change by speaking out on behalf of children. For more information, visit childrenatrisk.org, Facebook, and X.

About the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity 

Established by the Harris County Commissioners Court in 2021, the Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s (DEEO) mission is to connect, value, and empower people, businesses, and communities. The Early Childhood Initiatives division of the department works towards ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality early learning experience, setting them up for success now and beyond.  For more information, please visit https://deeo.harriscountytx.gov/Early-Childhood-Initiatives.

About Harris County Public Library

Harris County Public Library’s mission is to enrich lives to strengthen communities. HCPL is a network of 27 community-focused branch libraries offering programs and services that foster literacy and lifelong learning. The library is committed to providing excellent customer service, strong collections, and cutting-edge information technology. For more information, visit hcpl.net/.

About East Harris County Empowerment Council

Established in 2008, the East Harris County Empowerment Council (EHCEC) is committed to improving quality of life through innovative, sustainable programs and services that empower men, women, and youth to achieve their full potential. Through a strong network of invested individuals, community partners, and caring corporations, EHCEC is dedicated to educational enrichment, economic development, and health and wellness of the eastern, unincorporated communities of the Harris County surrounding area. For more information, visit eastharriscounty.org/.

About VN TeamWork, Inc.

VN TeamWork is a nonprofit multi-service organization that provides a variety of social services, educational programs, and affordable housing to serve the diverse communities of Houston. The mission of VN TeamWork is to enhance the health, education, and social well-being of low-income and underserved people in the greater Houston area. For more information, visit vnteamwork.org/.

About YMCA of Greater Houston

Founded in 1886, today, the Y remains committed to the health of more than half a million people who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our locations across Greater Houston. Strengthening the community is our cause. Together, we connect active, engaged Greater Houston Area residents to build a better us. Learn more at ymcahouston.org/.